Product Description

Most Controls are the Same as SansAmp Bass Driver DI
Drive adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive; Presence brings out the upper harmonic content and attack; Blend allows you to mix the direct instrument signal with SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry; and active Bass and Treble controls cut or boost +/- 12dB.

So what's different about SansAmp RBI
SanAmp RBI features a dedicated Mid control; individual Level control for the XLR out to optimize your amp's output relative to the PA system; Effects Loop; Mix 50/50 switch to configure the Effects Loop in series or parallel; 1/4" rear input and XLR output with select-able levels; buffered uneffected XLR output to run a dry signal to a separate channel; Footswitch input to engage unit; and Footswitch output to chain and toggle between another SansAmp RBI.

Streamline your setup - physically and financially
SansAmp RBI gives you a truckload of bass amp rigs in a single rackspace. When you start with a solid foundation of tone, you can travel as heavy or light as you like:

Float into any studio with just a SansAmp RBI and plug directly into the board.

Go to a gig with a SansAmp RBI, and run directly through the house PA system.

Take a more "traditional" set-up to a gig with a SansAmp RBI, power amp and speaker cabinet, and run directly through the house P.A. system.

In case you were wondering, you can switch between sounds by chaining to another SansAmp RBI. If you prefer programmability, please consider the "not-just-for-guitar" SansAmp PSA-1. There are 10 presets devoted to bass and 49 user-definable locations for storing custom settings.

I have found the Tech21 SansAmp is a standard in the industry. I see it time and time again on pedal boards and in racks. The SansAmp RBI is the rackmounted version. The first time I ever encountered this in the wild was while sharing rigs on a gig. I didn't get much time to play with it before our set started, but I was able to dial in big beefy tone pretty much instantly. To me, the control options are what really set the SansAmp RBI off. You can run wet/dry mixes, engage the preamp via footswitch, and overdrive it from grit. As a tone control freak, I think the Tech 21 SansAmp RBI is one of the best preamp/DIs out there. I recommend this for anyone looking for easy tone control at their fingertips.

Sound:
Ampeg SVT tone is nailed - I've heard several A/B comparison clips on the internet against the real deal (Ampeg SVT), with an open poll to vote on which is the "real" SVT and which is the SansAmp. I've been playing for 25 years, and I could not tell, nor could 80% or more of the voters on a bass enthusiast website. I have a hunch some of those that guessed correct - "guessed" correct - know what I mean? I love the meaty, grindy tones & more than you can get with this unit. I also pair mine up with a SansAmp RPM through a Schroeder 21012L cabinet. 90% of the grind however is the RBI itself. Killer tone.
There is always someone trying to telling you why their $10,000 dollar bass rig sounds 5% better than your $300.00 SansAmp. The difference is almost non-perceptible & totally non-perceptible to non-musicians enjoying your music. The SansAmp rocks! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Feature:
Tons of inputs & outputs with affected & unaffected options. Effect loop with the ability to run in series or parallel (50/50 mix of your effects loop device blended with your clean (or distorted RBI tone) - great for blending some of your original tone with your favorite effects pedals so the bottom end does get lost.
Ease of Use:
Simple to operate - use the Blend knob to bring in the right amount of OD/Distortion then rock out!
Quality:
Hand made units in the USA - does it get any better? Built like tanks.
Value:
Ampeg SVT & Bassman tones at this price? You gotta be kidding me - definitely a 10!
Manufacturer Support:
I've owned my SansAmp(s) for several years never had to call - product is reliable & rock solid. Probably will never break down.
Overall:
Simply the best.

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"Best $329 I ever spent......"

Overall:
So happy with my new Tech 21 Rack mount preamp. I have owned Ampeg svt3, Hartke 7000 and 3500, Peavey and yamaha combos.....All were good, but this one is all of them put together and then some.....the front panel xlr volume control is a gig-saver, as are the 20db pads on both the ins and out. Have been using it for recording both bass and guitar....cannot say enough good about this unit.....get a good power amp to go with it! Have not used support, as it is brand new....hope I never have to....

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